Labor Department pushes federal contractors to hire more veterans

Aug. 28, 2013 - 06:00AM
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The Labor Department has finalized new rules that would push federal contractors to hire more veterans and people with disabilities, according to an agency announcement.

Contractors and subcontractors have been legally required to recruit and hire veterans for more than 40 years, but the recent rule updates would require companies to set a benchmark tied to the national veteran rate — about 8 percent.

The rules also strengthen accountability and record-keeping requirements by directing contractors to keep track of the number of veterans who apply for jobs and how many a company hires.

Contractors must also allow the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs to review documents or check for compliance when requested.

“Strengthening these regulations is an important step toward reducing barriers to real opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities,” Patricia A. Shiu, director of the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, said in a press release.